Ego has bad press in spiritual circles. It is what must go as a marker to spiritual growth. Ego is short for ''self-centred fear'' or ''separating pride''.
Technically, the Ego is the awareness that our thoughts, feelings, actions are distinct from those of another. It is a by-product of freewill. Without that awareness of our boundaries and distinct actions, we can't be accountable, we can't make choices, we can't get to know ourselves or others.
Sadly, with that awareness that we are distinct comes the illusion that we are separate, the fear that we need to establish our worth, the question of whether and where we belong.
Those fears trigger an urge to compare ourselves, to acquire ''labels'' that state our worth, to be discerning about our choices and relationships, with the aim to fare better than others in a world we perceive as hostile, unfair, and characterised by scarcity.
A healthy ego procures a sense of belonging; we have a role to play, a purpose, something to offer. We are in relation to others as equally worthy, with our unique gifts and perspectives. We are governed by respect, dignity, kinship towards ourselves and others. - undefined - undefined - undefined
Unhealthy ego separates us from others, through unequal relationships - ie through domination or subservience - under the false premise that this attitude earns us a place in the world.
When we label ourselves, whether we do that with titles, qualities, rankings, or categorisation, we attach our worth to a shape of ourselves that limits us. Labels ask of us to stick to a role across cycles, circumstances and relationships, preventing us from adapting, growing, being available to what the present situation invites.
When I think of myself, do I regard my specificities as liabilities, or challenges I have to overcome, instead of embracing them as my gifts?
Do I feel my status, or pursuit thereof, keeps me trapped in specific attitudes and roles that clip my wings or add pressure to my life?
Do I believe I must withhold or fluff my power to survive in the world?